Chapter Ninety-Three: Causation
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Ren Tang poured himself another drink, a bitter smile crossing his face as he spoke, “To be honest with you, Brother Hu, it’s not that we don’t want to rest at the Scatterflower Pavilion, but we simply lack the heart for it.”
“In the past, it didn’t seem to matter much, but once you know, it’s not so easy to pretend you don’t.”
With a sigh, Ren Tang shook his head. “I never imagined that in less than a year, Tianluo Village would change so drastically. Monsters we once dared not approach have now left traces. What’s worse, these creatures have been stirring trouble in the outer city for days.”
“The worst part is that the village leaders have only sealed off the inner city; they’ve done nothing about the outer city. Though it seems peaceful, people are anxious. Under such circumstances, our priority is to ensure the safe delivery of our goods out of Tianluo Village. There’s no mind for leisure or flirtation.”
Hearing this, Hu San’s heart stirred, instantly recalling the snake demon encountered earlier that day and the whispered conversations of monsters in the forest.
“Brother Ren, what exactly is going on?” Hu San pressed, his expression growing serious.
Ren Tang replied, “Recently, mountain folk on the outskirts have been abducted by demons. While this hasn’t threatened the merchants in the outer city much, it has caused a stir beneath the surface. The leadership suppresses the news, so outsiders remain unaware.”
“Today, by chance, I met an old friend at the Scatterflower Pavilion who informed me of this. Otherwise, we might only realize the danger after all our goods are lost.”
Ren Tang pursed his lips, his face darkening. “Most dangerous is that, according to my friend, the village leaders plan to seal off the inner city. Whether this relates to the monster sightings, I cannot say. But if we can’t leave soon, we may be trapped here indefinitely.”
“This not only delays our journey but involves powerful monsters from the forest—creatures beyond our skill to confront. One misstep, and we’re done. If Tianluo Village acts, I fear we warriors will be conscripted. This place is no place to linger.”
An elder with the surname Zhou tugged his beard and said, “Captain Ren has explained the situation clearly. Under these circumstances, we cannot wait for news from the inner city. If we do, it will be too late in three to five days. We must leave within the next day or two to avoid the vortex.”
“Old Zhou speaks wisely,” Ren Tang nodded. “My friend has long lived in Tianluo and holds considerable connections there. Before returning, I asked him to make arrangements. If all goes well, we’ll enter the inner city tonight and exit immediately—no stops. I gathered everyone to prepare. With these hidden monster traces, nothing is certain; caution is paramount.”
“Brother Hu, your cultivation is impressive—I admire it greatly. This time, I need you to accompany me at the rear. Once safely out of Tianluo, I, from the Wuzang Kingdom, will ensure you’re well rewarded.”
Hu San smiled faintly. “Brother Ren, you honor me. If you need Hu San’s help, just say the word.”
Combining this with prior intelligence, Hu San suspected tonight’s events would not be simple. But as the saying goes, the greatest concealment lies in plain sight. Blending with the group would be safer than traveling alone.
“Good, I knew you were the right man, Brother Hu. Zixing, you lead the other warriors ahead of the caravan as vanguard. Zisha, you are responsible for…” Ren Tang abruptly struck the table, toasted Hu San, and began giving detailed orders.
Soon after, the arrangements were complete. Everyone hurriedly ate and took their instructions. The caravan, like a wound-up clock, began to operate smoothly.
Within the inner city of Tianluo Village, in an unremarkable residence lit faintly by a dim lamp, an elderly man with white hair bent over a desk, studying late into the night.
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Suddenly, a shadow flickered outside the window, followed by a pattern of three short and one long knocks.
The elder’s expression stiffened. He closed his book softly and whispered, “Come in.”
No sooner had he spoken than the window slid open quietly, and a figure clad in nighttime garb slipped inside, revealing a masked person standing before him.
“How are preparations? Has the message been spread as arranged?”
The elder inquired. The figure bowed respectfully, then replied, “Honored elder, the message has been disseminated as you instructed. However, only four caravans are currently in Tianluo Village, and their respective kingdoms lack strong power. I investigated the leaders’ strength: the highest are from Wuzang and Loulan, both preliminary top-tier warriors at Inner Qi level seven; the others are second-rate.”
Though the voice was soft and deliberate, its true identity was unmistakably female.
“Four caravans? Though few, at this point we cannot afford to be picky. We came here originally for some cultivation treasures from the Qilian Mountains but uncovered this massive conspiracy instead. No matter what, this intelligence must be delivered; otherwise, the kingdoms and their kings are doomed.”
The elder’s face showed deep concern. “Are their travel permits arranged? We must avoid any mishaps now.”
The masked woman nodded. “Rest assured, honored elder. Our elite has several trusted agents within Tianluo Village. While limited, we can manage the permits. But this will expose them completely.”
“At this point, it matters little. The kingdom will not forget their contributions, nor will the king. I will ensure their descendants are accounted for.”
The elder sighed, producing a brocade box about the size of a palm, placing it on the desk. “Securing this item is our fortune. Your identity and its secrecy are known only to me and the king. Among us, you are most likely to escape safely. I entrust this treasure to you. Perhaps the king’s fate depends on it. You must deliver it safely to the royal city.”
“Honored elder, with your strength, is there truly danger?”
The masked woman caught her breath quickly, her calm tone barely masking her worry.
“Heh, don’t underestimate his power. Anyone capable of collaborating with that side proves formidable. Though I have lingered in this realm for years, invincibility is impossible.”
“But rest assured, many may defeat me, yet none have been born who can take my life.”
The elder paused, moving on. “Tonight, I will send several warriors and civilians away. Blend in with one of the four caravans and depart. I and the rest of the elite will take another path. If all goes well, fine; if not, remember: do not reveal your strength easily. Your priority is to deliver this message to the kingdom. Everything else can be sacrificed. Understand?”
His tone was stern.
“Yes, I understand. Please take care, honored elder.”
The masked woman’s voice trembled as she bowed slightly.
“Go quickly. Do not arouse suspicion.”
The elder reached out as if to touch her, but his hand trembled violently, turning into a sigh.
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Watching the masked woman slip through the window, the elder gazed at the starry sky beyond the open frame, sighing softly, “I hope all goes well.”
Not far from the elder’s residence, inside a grand hall, two men in peculiar official robes stood before a young gentleman dressed in a brocade robe, reporting, “Young master, tonight four caravans request to leave Tianluo Village: Wuzang, Loulan, Dahe, and Linchun. The leaders from Wuzang and Loulan are level seven warriors.”
“Oh?” The young master, holding a jade-colored teapot, filled a black jade cup before shifting his gaze to the two men with a light laugh. “Were any of these caravans secretly instructed by your master?”
“All four, sir.”
The two exchanged glances and quickly bowed their heads.
“All four? Heh, just as expected. Besides these, are there others traveling tonight?”
“Due to the monster sightings, the village is in turmoil. Many warriors and merchants have applied to depart. Young master, here is the list.”
The square-faced man in official robes hastily drew a roster from his sleeve and presented it respectfully.
The young master took it with interest, flipping through page after page. A mocking smile curled at the corners of his mouth.
“Master, shall we reject these people and caravans’ requests?”
Seeing the young master silent, the square-faced man wiped sweat from his brow and suggested cautiously.
“Reject? Why would we do that?”
After quickly scanning the list, the young master drained his tea and ordered, “You two return immediately and grant them passage as requested. You need not concern yourselves with what follows. I will report everything to our master and will not forget your contributions.”
“Thank you, young master. We take our leave.”
Their faces brightened. All past betrayals were for this very moment.
The young master waved them off. As they bowed and left, he shook his head and muttered with a low laugh, “There is no absolute loyalty in this world, only insufficient price paid. Heh, those fools never dreamed their pawns had already turned against them.”
“I wonder how those monsters are preparing? No, I must see for myself. If I delay our master’s plans, I won’t escape the consequences.”
The young master spun around, snapped his folding fan, summoned several subordinates with a few commands, and stepped into the dark night.